The Everest 2017 Still Definite Possibility for Caravaggio

Sydney’s 2017 The Everest is still a definite possibility down under this spring for the Aidan O’Brien-trained European sprinter Caravaggio despite a loss at Newmarket over the weekend.

Golden Slipper winning filly She Will Reign has moved to the second line of futures 2017 The Everest betting with the first career loss of Caravaggio over the weekend in the UK. Photo: Steve Hart.

Suffering his first career defeat, the Irish-trained son of Scat Daddy jumped the punters’ pick in the Group 1 Darley July Cup Stakes (1207m), but could only manage to run fourth behind the winner Harry Angel who is a recent acquisition for Godolphin.

The Commonwealth Cup winning colt reared up as the stalls opened and lost ground, before being held up mid-race and unable to quicken when slightly hampered a furlong out.

Ridden by former Melbourne Cup winning jockey Ryan Moore, Caravaggio never had the pace to cause concern to the horses in front, but did close strongly approaching the line.

“He ran very well, Ryan said he was a little bit slow out the gates and that probably left him a bit on the back foot but we’re not looking to make any excuses,” O’Brien told the UK’s Racing Post.

“I don’t want to take anything away from the winner as it was a very good performance and our horse ran a great race.

“There’s always lots on my mind when we don’t win and he was a little bit lazy.

“I’d never have a problem running him over five [furlongs, 1000m] and The Everest is still a definite possibility.”

O’Brien though hasn’t ruled out a trip to Australia during the spring for Caravaggio who could still be out to secure a slot on the $10 million Restricted The Everest (1200m) race at Royal Randwick on October 14.

Three-time TJ Smith Stakes winner Chautauqua remains the $4.80 favourite in futures The Everest betting at Ladbrokes.com.au, the champ to run for part-owner Greg Ingham.

He is followed in the all-in The Everest odds by Golden Slipper winning filly She Will Reign ($5.50) who fills the slot for Yu Long Investments.

Caravaggio meanwhile has eased to third favouritism at $8 and remains tentatively pegged as The Everest representative for powerhouse outfit Coolmore.

To check out the full The Everest racing odds for 2017 head to Ladbrokes.com.au now.